Isuochi, Abia State: The Umunneochi Traditional Rulersโ Advisory Council in Abia State has conferred the prestigious title of โIke Oha 1 of Umunneochiโ on President Bola Tinubu, recognising his leadership and contributions to national unity.
At the same ceremony in Isuochi, the Council also honoured the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, with a chieftaincy title, underscoring her role in advancing development and representing the interests of the region.
The title, โIke Oha 1 of Umunneochi,โ translates as โthe strength of the people.โ It was given to the president at a civic reception held in Amuda Isuochi to honour Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
Council Chairman and Ezema III of Lokpa, Eze Franklin Ohalezim, said the honour was for Tinubuโs appointment of Onyejeocha to his cabinet and for her achievements.
โPresident Tinubu gave our daughter the opportunity to explore her talent and serve her people and society well as minister,โ Ohalezim said.
Responding for the president, APC National Welfare Secretary Chief Donatus Nwankpa thanked the royal fathers for the recognition and for โgiving their daughter for national serviceโ.
He commended Onyejeocha for bringing โpeace and tranquillityโ to the ministry, adding that he was impressed by her hard work and dedication.
Tinubu said he found it hard to accept her resignation and encouraged the traditional rulers to support her in her next political step.
They described the title as a recognition of her numerous contributions to the areaโs growth and development.
Presenting the title, Eze Ohalezim said Onyejeocha brought several projects to Umunneochi LGA during her public service.
โToday, we celebrate and honour our outstanding daughter, a woman of proven ability, the pride of Isuochi and Umunneochi,โ he said.
Onyejeocha urged the Umunneochi people to repay Tinubuโs gesture by voting for him in 2027.
She said she would run for the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency seat in 2027 and would launch her campaign soon.
Onyejeocha represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency for four terms, from 2007 to 2023.
She was appointed minister in 2023 and recently tendered her resignation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
In his goodwill message, Abia APC Chairman Chief Chijioke Chukwu praised Onyejeochaโs work and called for full support as she seeks to return to the National Assembly.
Chukwu assured that the party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants through transparent and credible primaries.